Vying to be the best

Published May 26, 2011
By Danny Monahan
377th Air Base Wing Public Affairs

Kirtland Air Force Base -- The 377th Security Forces Squadron Combat Arms section hosted the third annual 377th SFS Defenders Association Pistol Competition Saturday at the Kirtland Air Force Base Coyote Canyon Firing Range.
Officers from law enforcement agencies throughout New Mexico participated in the competition, including the New Mexico State Police and Torrance County Sheriff's Office. Several servicemembers and civilians affiliated with the base also participated in the competition.
"This is the best turnout we have ever had," said Tech. Sgt. Cory Wilde, 377th SFS Combat Arms section NCO in charge, the pistol competition coordinator. "We had anticipated 40 shooters and we ended up having 80."
Sergeant Wilde said a wide variety of experienced shooters competed.
"We had shooters from the highly competitive to those trying it for the first time."
Competitors were graded on their accuracy shooting at steel and pop-up targets. Shooters used a variety of .38 to .45 caliber handguns, excluding magnums.
Reserve deputy James Lambert from the Torrance County Sheriff's Office placed first in the individual category and the Torrance County Sheriff's Office team placed first in the group category.
Proceeds from the $15 entry fee were donated to nonprofit military and civilian law enforcement organizations.